Results From This Round Of Cards

Last week, I talked about my recent history of credit card applications (including the latest round that day). A week later, I have the results:

  1. American Airlines Business card – APPROVAL
  2. Club Carlson card – APPROVAL
  3. Upgrading Hilton Card To Hilton Surpass – AUTOMATIC APPROVAL
  4. Amex Platinum – INSTANT APPROVAL
  5. Southwest Airlines card – APPROVAL
  6. Barclays Frontier Airlines card – DENIAL

All except the the last 2 were easy. The Southwest card was a moronic move by me. I already had a Personal and Business card active with Southwest. I didn’t look at my spreadsheet when I applied. I thought I had my card inventory memorized and was sloppy. Chase denied the application, so I called the reconsideration phone number. We had a nice conversation, I agreed to close an existing Southwest card, and got the new one opened. The Barclays card was denied for my “sufficient credit with Barclays.” I plan to call their reconsideration number today and close a card to get this one open. Should be 6 for 6.
Also, I got my credit score with the denial. It was listed as 772. This is after applying for almost 40 cards in the last couple years, closing most of them, and opening 5 or 6 checking accounts. I do it carefully and I breathe easy. 
Just don’t get sloppy. A reader emailed me saying she closed one of her oldest cards with a $40,000 limit and no annual fee. Not surprisingly, her credit score took a hit. I almost had a heart attack. I asked her, “Why would you ever close that card? It has no annual fee and it’s been open forever. And it has a huge limit! Close these new cards!” Her explanation? “I don’t know. I just got tired of keeping it open.” My answer? Please don’t email me anymore.

SpaFinder And Delta

8 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent. That’s what you’ll get when you buy anything (including gift cards) from SpaFinder.com this month. Some of you will go to town on this one I’m sure. Click here and do your thing.

Following Up With Platinum

If you got the limited-time Platinum card offer this week, you have one of the top credit cards in the world. You’re paying a big annual fee (prorated if you close it early), but there are incredible benefits in addition to the 100,000 points. It seems like the people contacting me don’t know what this card can do. Some features are below. Remember, you need to call or click here to enroll in many of these.

  • Free Gold status with Starwood.
  • Airport lounge access with American, Delta, and US Airways.
  • Additional lounge access with Priority Pass Select. 
  • Global entry fee waived. This is a $100 value and an amazing way to avoid customs lines.
  • $200 yearly refund on incidental airline charges. Yes, gift cards have been known to work.
  • Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts access – Awesome way to book hotels. Upgrades, breakfast, and late checkout

If you missed out on this offer, hold tight. There should be another great one coming soon!

The Rewards Of Fixing A Screw Up

I know it’s 2013, but sometimes I still need to pick up the phone and actually talk to someone. This is shocking and unacceptable news for some of you, but get over it. Two days ago, I mentioned how I messed up by applying for a Southwest card I already have. I didn’t think I’d be able to fix this, but I called the Chase “reconsideration” phone number at 1-888-245-0625 to give it a shot. The lady picked up and told me I was denied because I have the same card already (plus the Business version of it). It wasn’t looking good. I told her I’d really like all 3, but would close the other Personal card if that would help get this opened. It was a total hail mary longshot, but we had a really friendly conversation, and I was somehow able to get the card opened.

What are the rewards of my efforts? First, I’ll get 50,000 Southwest Airlines points. This is in addition to the 50,000 I already have coming this month from the Business card. More importantly, I’ll be the owner of a shiny new Southwest Companion Pass. For domestic travel, this is the single best thing in the frequent flyer universe. Why? Well, until the end of next year, I’ll be able to have my companion fly free with me whenever I travel with Southwest. This is on paid AND mileage bookings. All because I’ll earn 110,000 Southwest points this year. Pretty nice reward for making that phone call.

HUGE Credit Card Offer (Offer Now Dead)

**Act fast…I’m pretty sure this offer will be going away in a hurry**

100,000 Membership Rewards points is 4 times the normal bonus of an American Express Platinum card! But it’s exactly what is available right now here. Besides this insane bonus, this is one of the best 2 or 3 airline cards in the world. Among a long list of features, you get lounge access with American, Delta, and US Airways. There is a $450 annual fee, but with a $200 annual airline credit (use now and also January 2014) you’ll be able to get $400 back before closing the card.

**There is a direct link to the application here, but I’m sure this link won’t last long**